The Imposter Syndrome Explained & Conquered With Ines Padar

Hey Overachiever!

What new job did you start this year? Which award did you receive this year? What new company or venture have you been excelling in? Do you feel as though these accomplishments were just luck? Are you feeling like you are in over your head? Are you afraid of asking for that pay increase to match your worth? Are you questioning whether or not you really deserve success? 

Well, I’m here to tell you, that this kind of psychological behaviour pattern is called The Imposter Syndrome and we will learn a little bit about how to combat it today.

In 2018, Michelle Obama spoke on imposter syndrome and her personal experience. She spoke of being haunted by the “Am I good enough?” question because, as she said, “the messages that are sent from the time we [were] little are: maybe you are not, don’t reach too high, don’t talk too loud.” The reality is imposter syndrome is real. Maybe to a lot of us, it didn’t have a name, now it does. Imposter Syndrome affects anyone irrespective of age, especially those females who are gaining stature at work or venturing into higher social classes than which they were born.

Ines Padar

Personally, I’ve had my fair share of intimidation in the board room and workplace, that have made me questioned whether I actually belonged. Is it too grandiose to be under 30 being the chief executive of a national sector entity, being the youngest in the room and to be honest, feeling like the dumbest one in the room :-)?

2040 Exchange had a quick one and one with Ines Padar, The Imposter Syndrome Terminator, who shed some light on the feeling of constant inadequacy and self-doubt experienced by many people.

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I Will Walk By Faith, Even When I Cannot See Where I Am Going.

Today I woke up with this line replaying in my head … Walk by Faith, Not by Sight. Taken from a popular scripture which reads “For we walk by faith, not by sight” – 2 Corinthians 5:7.

A simple adage, if I can call it that, embodying the notion of living by faith and trusting in God; and to not be motivated by only what one can see in their present circumstances. It may include getting out of your comfort zone, losing control of how things are, being obedient and courageous to push through whatever situation one is in. In the end, as Dena Johnson Martin explains it, it is “a journey of tremendous blessing and reward. It is a journey that is exciting, life-altering, and mind-boggling. It is a journey that will allow you to see and experience God as he was meant to be: in all his fullness and grace”.

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#herwealth | Women Must Be Financially Confident​ & Smart! Let’s Talk Financial Independence

Oh, how times have changed! Women around the globe are taking control of their decisions and choices, where their finances are concerned. Some women have discovered the joy of emancipation and are being financially independent, and seemingly growing #herwealth into prosperity. But there are some of us, whose financial position is not in shambles, but not at the place where we want it to be.

As Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz once said, “financial independence is a matter of necessity”. An important milestone, revered by many, yet seemingly hard to attain by some. A milestone, unlike many, that is not a one-off achievement but a process of gradual improvement, unlocking one stage at a time. Financial independence then, in my opinion, is not a final destination; it is a journey and a process of planning my money to ensure that I can live the life I choose.

Let me be clear, financial independence is not the same for everyone. It means varying things to different females and may even differ at various stages of your life. For instance, last year financial independence goal was to invest in stocks and having a reasonable sum secured as emergency savings. Today, the focus is on moving out of a family home to owning an apartment. Irrespective of what it means to you, at the end of the day, us women are taking control of our money and ensuring that we live a balanced life. So, let’s talk about financial planning!

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#MillennialMonday | Packing Up and Moving to Another Country with Nathalee D. Ferguson

A world of possibilities is open to anyone who sees the opportunities available across the world. So said, so done! Millennials are taking heed; yearning, exploring and venturing into the great wanderlust and greener pastures, by migrating to big cities. “Bright lights” shining on improved job aspects, better work-life balance and affordable living are what they seek. For some, it is a walk in the park with proper planning, access to information and family support. But for others, it may seem a mistakenly rushed move resulting in even great disappointments and set back.

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Today, 20/40 Exchange catches up with recent immigrant and Author of the book Packin’ Up and Moving to Canada 101: An Experiential Guide from Pre-Application to Settling in As a Newcomer to Canada, Nathalee D. Ferguson.

Just like any other major life choices, it is important to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision. In this regard, Nathalee hopes to provide a complete guide to make the transition, of those interested in migrating to Canada, as simple as possible.

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Network Up or Across? Millennials, What is Your Strategy?

Your Network is your Net Worth! 

An adage in the professional world and a phrase commonly indoctrinated in the minds of millennials. But why though?

It’s about the ability to build great, mutually beneficial relationships. A highly demanded soft skill, building relations is the core of networking. Often times, building a network is aliken to mining for gold. Hereby, it is about getting to know and trust people, resulting in authentic personal and professional connections that can enhance reputation; secure a job or business deal. Get it?

Author Porter Gale in her book, Your Network is Your Net Worth, explains that networking is a new beast; and an important asset in your portfolio. As important and enticing as that may sound, networking is sometimes uncomfortable and simply, not an easy feat.

Black and White Pet Cat Valentine's Day Instagram Post

Actress, Producer & Comedian. Issa Rae a few years ago gave a piece of astounding advice where networking is concerned. She said, “we have a tendency of trying to network up, but it’s really about networking across”. A point worth noting, what say you?

(Photo: Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Women in Film)

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